Report ... on communication from the Senatus Academicus, respecting the publication of the University programme.

  • Edinburgh (Scotland). Town Council. College Committee.
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report ... on communication from the Senatus Academicus, respecting the publication of the University programme. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in striking out the announcement of a second class of Logic and Me¬ taphysics, with a desire to obstruct the delivery of an important course of lectures. The importance of this course the Patrons have had no opportunity of ascertaining, no communication having been made to them on the subject, although the Council intimated, in the strongest terms, a considerable time ago, their willingness to give a favourable consideration to any proposal regarding it, made to them through the Senatus. The Patrons had certainly a right to expect that this offer would have been answered in a different way than by placing in the Programme, on the eve of the session, the announcement of this class, without any communication to the Patrons. The course of lectures proposed to be delivered might or might not be important; but, in the circumstances of the case, it was im¬ possible that the Patrons could permit its announcement. In the former session, Sir William Hamilton, instead of teaching Logic and Metaphysics, as had been done for thirty years, at one hour and for a single fee, had taught Logic at one hour and Metaphysics at an¬ other, and had charged a fee for each. He was repeatedly and ex¬ pressly told that this would be disallowed ; but he insisted that he was ‘ substantially right/ although he might have been ‘ formally 4 wrong / and proposed to call his two classes Logic and Metaphysics, first and second. The Patrons do not consider that the mere alteration of the name makes any material difference in the case. They are anxious for the advancement of learning; but they are also desirous that it be not rendered unnecessarily burdensome to the public. They repeat, that every proposal transmitted through the Senatus will receive the most candid consideration ; but they would not be doing their duty to the public were they to allow any Professor, on his own motion, to sub¬ divide or multiply his classes, or to make unauthorized exactions on the time and money of the Students. All which is reported by James Stark, Convener of the Committee. Edinburgh, 8th October 1839. The Magistrates and Council approved of the foregoing Report, and of new remitted to the College Committee to forward the same to the members of Government and others.
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